Budget Estimates 2014-2015 · Budget Estimates 2014-2015 iv Report 42 - November 2014 Terms of...

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Report 42 - November 2014 i

General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2

Budget Estimates 2014-2015

Ordered to be printed 19 November 2014

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL


ii Report 42 - November 2014

New South Wales Parliamentary Library cataloguing-in-publication data:

New South Wales. Parliament. Legislative Council. General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2

Budget estimates, 2014-2015 / General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2 [Sydney, N.S.W.] : the Committee, 2014. 21 pages; 30 cm. (Report no. 42 / General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2) “November 2014”. Chair: Hon. Melinda Pavey, MLC. ISBN 9781920788810

1. New South Wales. Parliament. Legislative Council. General Purpose Standing Committee No.

2—Appropriations and expenditures. I. Pavey, Melinda. II. Title. III. Series: New South Wales. Parliament. Legislative Council. General Purpose Standing

Committee No. 2. Report ; no. 42 328.94407 (DDC22)

GENERAL PURPOSE STANDING COMMITTEE NO. 2

Report 42 - November 2014 iii

How to contact the committee

Members of the General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2 can be contacted through the Committee Secretariat. Written correspondence and enquiries should be directed to:

The Director


Legislative Council

Parliament House, Macquarie Street

Sydney New South Wales 2000

Internet www.parliament.nsw.gov.au

Email [email protected]

Telephone (02) 9230 2798

Facsimile (02) 9230 2981

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL


iv Report 42 - November 2014

Terms of reference

1. That upon tabling, the Budget Estimates and related papers for the financial year 2014-2015 presenting the amounts to be appropriated from the Consolidated Fund be referred to the General Purpose Standing Committees for inquiry and report.

2. That the initial hearings be scheduled as follows:

Day One: Monday 18 August 2014

GPSC2 Health, Medical Research 9.00 am - 1.00 pm GPSC2 Citizenship and Communities, Aboriginal Affairs,

Veterans Affairs 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm

GPSC5 Primary Industries 10.30 am - 1.00 pm GPSC5 Natural Resources, Lands and Water,

Western NSW 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm

Day Two: Tuesday 19 August 2014

GPSC3 Transport, The Hunter 9.00 am - 1.00 pm GPSC3 The Legislature 2.00 pm - 2.45 pm GPSC3 Local Government 3.00 pm - 4.30 pm GPSC2 Ageing, Disability Services, The Illawarra 9.00 am - 12.00 pm GPSC2 Mental Health 12.15 pm - 1.15 pm GPSC2 Education 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm

Day Three: Wednesday 20 August 2014

GPSC4 Police and Emergency Services, Sport and Recreation

9.00 am - 1.30 pm

GPSC4 Attorney General, Justice 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm GPSC5 The Environment, Heritage, The Central Coast 9.00 am - 1.00 pm GPSC5 Resources and Energy, Special Minister of State 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm

Day Four: Thursday, 21 August 2014

GPSC3 Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services, Tourism and Major Events, Small Business, The North Coast

9.00 am - 1.00 pm

GPSC3 Roads and Freight 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm GPSC1 Planning, Women 9.00 am - 1.00 pm GPSC1 Premier, Infrastructure, Western Sydney 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm

Day Five: Friday 22 August 2014

GPSC1 Treasury, Industrial Relations 9.00 am - 1.00 pm GPSC1 Finance and Services 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm GPSC4 Fair Trading 9.00 am - 10.30 am GPSC4 Hospitality, Gaming and Racing, The Arts 10.45 am - 12.15 pm GPSC4 Family and Community Services 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm


Report 42 - November 2014 v

3. That an initial round of supplementary hearings be scheduled during the week of 7 to 10 October 2014.

4. That each scheduled day for the initial round of hearings will begin at 9.00 am and conclude by 6.00 pm.

5. The committees must hear evidence in public.

6. The committees may ask for explanations from Ministers in the House, or officers of departments, statutory bodies or corporations, relating to the items of proposed expenditure.

7. There is no provision under this resolution for a Minister to make an opening statement before the committee commences questions.

8. A daily Hansard record is to be published as soon as practicable after each day’s proceedings.

9. The committees are to present a final report to the House by 19 December 2014.

10. Members may lodge questions on notice with the Clerk to the committee during a Budget Estimates hearing and up to two days following.

11. All answers to questions taken on notice during the hearing, and questions on notice lodged up to two days following the hearing, must be provided within 21 days, or as otherwise determined by the committee.

These terms of reference were referred to the Committee by the House on 12 November 2013, see LC Minutes (12/11/13), p 2161, Item 31; amended by LC Minutes (15/05/2014)2527-2529, Item 21.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL


vi Report 42 - November 2014

Committee membership


The Hon Melinda Pavey MLC The Nationals Chair

The Hon Paul Green MLC Christian Democratic Party Deputy Chair

The Hon Jan Barham MLC The Greens

The Hon David Clarke MLC Liberal Party

The Hon Jenny Gardiner The Nationals

The Hon Shaoquett Moselmane MLC Australian Labor Party

The Hon Helen Westwood Australian Labor Party

Non-substantive members who attended the hearings

The Hon Greg Donnelly MLC Australian Labor Party

Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC The Greens

Dr John Kaye MLC The Greens

Revd the Hon Fred Nile MLC Christian Democratic Party

The Hon Adam Searle MLC Australian Labor Party

The Hon Lynda Voltz MLC Australian Labor Party

The Hon Steve Whan MLC Australian Labor Party

The Hon Ernst Wong MLC Australian Labor Party


Report 42 - November 2014 vii

Table of contents

Chair’s foreword viii

Chapter 1 Introduction 1

Referral of the 2014-2015 Budget Estimates 1

Hearings 1

Transcripts 1

Questions on notice 1

Chapter 2 Issues raised during hearings 3

Health, Medical Research 3

Citizenship and Communities, Aboriginal Affairs, Veterans Affairs 4

Ageing, Disability Services, The Illawarra 4

Mental Health 5

Education 6

Appendix 1 Witnesses at hearings 7

Appendix 2 Tabled documents 10

Appendix 3 Minutes 11

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL


viii Report 42 - November 2014

Chair’s foreword

I am pleased to present this report on the Inquiry into Budget Estimates 2014-2015. This annual inquiry into the Budget Estimates ensures parliamentary oversight of the Budget, and provides an important mechanism for the accountability of the executive government to the Council.

The inquiry consisted of four hearings to examine the portfolio areas of:

Health, Medical Research

Citizenship and Communities, Aboriginal Affairs, Veterans Affairs

Ageing, Disability Services, The Illawarra

Mental Health

Education.

On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank the ministers and their officers who assisted the committee during this important inquiry. I am grateful to my fellow committee members and the secretariat staff for their contributions to the inquiry process.

Hon Melinda Pavey MLC Chair


Report 42 - November 2014 1

Chapter 1 Introduction

Referral of the 2014-2015 Budget Estimates

1.1 On 12 November 2013 the Legislative Council resolved to hold the initial hearings of the General Purpose Standing Committees’ inquiry into the Budget Estimates during the weeks commencing 18 August and 25 August 2014.1

1.2 On 15 May 2014, the Legislative Council further resolved that ‘the Budget Estimates and related papers for the financial year 2014-2015 presenting the amounts to be appropriated from the Consolidated Fund be referred to the General Purpose Standing Committees for inquiry and report’.2 The resolution required each committee to examine the Budget Estimates for the relevant portfolios and report to the House by 19 December 2014. Furthermore, the resolution stipulated that the initial hearings would be held in the week commencing 18 August and the initial round of supplementary hearings be scheduled during the week of 7-10 October.

Hearings

1.3 The Committee held five public hearings as follows:

Monday 18 August 2014 – Health, Medical Research

Monday 18 August 2014 – Citizenship and Communities, Aboriginal Affairs, Veterans Affairs

Tuesday 19 August 2014 – Ageing, Disability Services, The Illawarra

Tuesday 19 August 2014 – Mental Health

Tuesday 19 August 2014 – Education.

1.4 A brief summary of the key issues raised during the hearings is contained in Chapter 2.

Transcripts

1.5 Transcripts of the hearings are available on the Committee’s web page at: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/gpsc2.

Questions on notice

1.6 Questions taken on notice, and the answers to these questions, are also available on the Committee’s web page.

1 Minutes, Legislative Council, 12 November 2013, p 2161. 2 Minutes, Legislative Council, 15 May 2014, pp 2527-2529.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL


2 Report 42 - November 2014



Chapter 2 Issues raised during hearings

This chapter provides a brief summary by portfolio of the key issues raised during the hearings.

Health, Medical Research

2.1 A hearing examining the portfolio of Health was held on Monday 18 August 2014. The following issues were raised during the committee’s examination of the Health portfolio:

tender process for the construction of a private hospital in the Northern Beaches

working conditions of employees and financial arrangements relating to the new private hospital in the Northern Beaches

donations made to the Liberal Party, New South Wales division

closure of John Hunter eye clinic

Manning Hospital at Taree

Ebola virus breakout

Shoalhaven hospital

maternity service at Bourke

impact of the Commonwealth Government Budget

attendance at emergency departments in New South Wales

loose-fill asbestos installation in houses

patients in hospitals awaiting discharge who are ventilator dependent

filling of junior medical officer positions

immunisation and mental health support for school students

tattoo inks.

2.2 The following issues were raised during the committee’s examination of the Medical Research portfolio:

impact of the Commonwealth Government Budget on funding for medical research

national science strategy

health impacts of coal seam gas exploration and mining on local communities

management of particulate dust, specifically with respect to coal

health impacts of saturated fat

health messaging approaches

funding for the research component of teaching and research

childhood obesity programs

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL



funding for brain cancer research

health impacts of wind turbines

the Westmead medical research precinct

donations made to the Liberal Party, New South Wales division

Get Healthy NSW program

closure of NSW Food Authority laboratory facilities.

Citizenship and Communities, Aboriginal Affairs, Veterans Affairs

2.3 A hearing examining the portfolio of Citizenship and Communities was held on Monday 18 August 2014. The following issues were raised during the committee’s examination of the Citizenship and Communities, Aboriginal Affairs, Veterans Affairs portfolio:

services for refugee and humanitarian entrants

funding of the Community Relations Commission grants program

closure of support services for muslim women

centenary of ANZAC commemorations

spending on the Veterans’ Affairs community grants program

variation in the Aboriginal Affairs budget

strategies to address racism and violence against women

steps to improve aboriginal mental health.

Ageing, Disability Services, The Illawarra

2.4 A hearing examining the portfolio of Ageing, Disability Services, the Illawarra was held on Tuesday 19 August 2014. The following issues were raised during the committee’s examination of the Ageing, Disability Services portfolio:

transitioning of state disability services to the non-government sector or Commonwealth as a result of the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme

funding for the Community Support Program for people with physical and neurological disabilities

funding allocated for advocacy and information services during 2014 - 15

redevelopment of the Stockton Centre and relocation of residents to new accommodation

young people living in residential aged care

impact of commonwealth funding cuts on services provided to dementia patients



recruitment and workforce planning strategies for meeting the additional 25,000 staff required following the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme

operation of the NSW Elder Abuse Hotline

funding and services for aboriginal people with disabilities and their carers.

2.5 A hearing examining the portfolio of The Illawarra was held on Tuesday 19 August 2014. The following issues were raised during the committee’s examination of The Illawarra portfolio:

Restart NSW Illawarra Infrastructure Fund and allocation of grants

City of Sydney Amendment (Elections) Bill 2014 and subsequent discussions with Wollongong City Council

illegal donations for election funding

feral deer in the Illawarra and control measures.

Mental Health

2.6 A hearing examining the portfolio of Mental Health was held on Tuesday 19 August 2014. The following issues were raised during the committee’s examination of the Mental Health portfolio:

Mental Health Commission's mental health strategy for NSW

mental health facilities at Cumberland Hospital, Morriset, and Queanbeyan

measures used to record the time taken for a person discharged from a mental health service to be seen by a caseworker

recent incident at the Mental Health Unit at Coffs Harbour

strategies in place to assist schools in which a member of the student body has taken their own life

strategies in place to manage Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for members of the NSW Police Force and war veterans

accountability measures in place to record mental health expenditure

service delivery models used at Queanbeyan Hospital, Maitland and in the lower Hunter

expansion of Campbelltown Health Service

services available to treat mental illness among the homeless

impact of illicit drugs on mental illness

review of the Mental Health Act 2007.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL



Education

2.7 A hearing examining the portfolio of Education was held on Tuesday 19 August 2014. The following issues were raised during the committee’s examination of the Education portfolio:

cuts to the Commonwealth funding for education in Australia

impacts of the cuts to Gonski funding

the effects of the Smart and Skilled reforms

a reduction in the programs for students with special needs and from non-English speaking backgrounds

Special Religious Education

National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program

drug and alcohol abuse and possession in schools

investigation into the Australasian College, Broadway

funding for English as a Second Language [ESL] teaching

cadet units in schools

political donation by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)

investment in and the deployment of the Learning Management and Business Reform Program.



Appendix 1 Witnesses at hearings

Health, Medical Research - Monday 18 August 2014

Name Position and Organisation

The Hon Jillian Skinner MP Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research

Dr Mary Foley Secretary, NSW Health

Dr Rohan Hammett Deputy Secretary, NSW Health

Dr Kerry Chant Deputy Secretary & Chief Health Officer, NSW Health

Mr Ken Whelan Deputy Secretary, NSW Health

Ms Karen Crawshaw Deputy Secretary, NSW Health

Mr John Roach Chief Financial Officer, NSW Health

Citizenship and Communities, Aboriginal Affairs, Veteran Affairs - Monday 18 August 2014


The Hon Victor Dominello MP Minister for Citizenship and Communities, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for Veteran Affairs

Mr Hakan Haram CEO, Community Relations Commission

Mr Jason Ardler General Manager, Aboriginal Affairs

Mr Darren Mitchell Director, Veterans' Affairs

Mr Gregor Macfie Director, Policy, Commission for Children & Young People

Ms Helen Rogers Executive Director, Communities Policy and Programs, NSW Department of Education and Communities

Mr Phillip Peace Chief Financial Officer, NSW Department of Education and Communities

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL



Ageing, Disability Services, The Illawarra - Tuesday 19 August 2014


The Hon John Ajaka MLC Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for the Illawarra

Mr Michael Coutts-Trotter Secretary, Family and Community Services

Mr Jim Longley Chief Executive, Ageing Disability and Home Care, Family and Community Services

Ms Samantha Taylor Deputy Chief Executive, Ageing Disability and Home Care (People and Choice), Family and Community Services

Mr Alastair Hunter Deputy Chief Executive, Ageing Disability and Home Care (Service Delivery), Family and Community Services

Mr Stephen Mudge Chief Financial Officer, Family and Community Services

Mr Philip Berry Coordinator, NDIS Cross-Agency, Family and Community Services

Mr Anthony Body Senior Regional Coordinator Illawarra & South East,

Mental Health - Tuesday 19 August 2014


The Hon Jai Rowell MP Minister for Mental Health

Mr Ken Whelan Deputy Secretary, System Purchasing and Performance, NSW Ministry of Health

Mr Peter Carter Director, Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Office, NSW Ministry of Health

Dr Kerry Chant Chief Health Officer and Deputy Secretary, Population and Public Health, NSW Ministry of Health



Education - Tuesday 19 August 2014


The Hon Adrian Piccoli MP Minister for Education

Dr Michele Bruniges Secretary, Department of Education and Communities

Mr Peter Riordan Deputy Secretary, Corporate Services, Department of Education and Communities

Mr Phillip Peace Chief Financial Officer, Department of Education and Communities

Mr Greg Prior Deputy Secretary Schools, Department of Education and Communities

Ms Leslie Loble Deputy Secreatary Office of Education, Department of Education and Communities

Mr Tom Alegounarias President, Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW

Ms Pamela Christie Managing Director, TAFE NSW

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL



Appendix 2 Tabled documents

Monday 18 August 2014

Health, Medical Research 1 Several brochures addressing healthy lifestyle options, as listed below:

NSW Aboriginal Knockout Health Challenge – Eat right – Get Active Snapshot June 2014 - Childhood Overweight and Obesity – Healthy Children Initiative Snapshot June 2014 – Adult Overweight and Obesity NSW Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service - The first five years 2009-2013



Appendix 3 Minutes

Minutes no. 43 Monday 18 August 2014 General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2 Macquarie Room, Parliament House, Sydney, at 8.53 am

1. Members present

Mrs Pavey, Chair Mr Green, Deputy Chair (from 9.25 am) Mr Clarke Mr Donnelly (substituting for Mr Moselmane) Miss Gardiner Dr Kaye (substituting for Ms Barham) Mr Whan (participating).

2. Apologies

Ms Westwood.

3. Substitutions

The Chair advised that the following members would be substituting for the hearing:

Mr Donnelly for Mr Moselmane Dr Kaye for Ms Barham.

4. Participating member The Chair advised that Mr Whan would be attending the meeting as a participating member.

5. Draft minutes Resolved, on the motion of Mr Clarke: That draft minutes no. 42 be confirmed.

6. Correspondence The committee noted the following items of correspondence:

Received 25 July 2014 – Email from Mr Alasdair Cameron, Minister Ajaka’s office to Budget Estimates

secretariat advising of witnesses attending hearing into Ageing, Disability Services and The Illawarra.

31 July 2014 – Email from Mr Mitchell Potts, Minister Skinner’s office to Budget Estimates secretariat advising of witnesses attending hearing into Health, Medical Research.

1 August 2014 – Email from Mr Tom Green, Minister Dominello’s office to Budget Estimates secretariat advising of witnesses attending hearing into Citizenship and Communities, Aboriginal Affairs and Veterans Affairs.

1 August 2014 – Email from Kim Withers, Minister Piccoli’s office to Budget Estimates secretariat advising of witnesses attending hearing into Education.

1 August 2014 – Email from Mr Michael Shaw, Minister Rowell’s office to Budget Estimates secretariat advising of witnesses attending hearing into Mental Health.

12 August 2014 – Email from Mr Tom Green, Minister Dominello’s office regarding procedural issue of timing and grouping of portfolio areas during Citizenship and Communities, Aboriginal Affairs, Veteran Affairs hearing.

Sent

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL



8 July 2014 – Letter from Committee Director to the Hon Victor Dominello MP, Minister for Citizenship and Communities, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for Veteran Affairs, inviting the minister to the Budget Estimates 2014/15 hearings

8 July 2014 – Letter from Committee Director to the Hon John Ajaka MLC, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services and Minister for the Illawarra, inviting the minister to the Budget Estimates 2014/15 hearings

8 July 2014 – Letter from Committee Director to the Hon Jai Rowell MP, Minister for Mental Health, inviting the minister to the Budget Estimates 2014/15 hearings

8 July 2014 – Letter from Committee Director to the Hon Adrian Piccoli MP, Minister for Education, inviting the minister to the Budget Estimates 2014/15 hearings

8 July 2014 – Letter from Committee Director to the Hon Jillian Skinner MP, Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research, inviting the minister to the Budget Estimates 2014/15 hearings.

7. Inquiry into Budget Estimates 2014-2015

7.1 Allocation of questioning

The Chair noted that the Committee had previously resolved that for the initial round of hearings into the Budget Estimates 2014-2015, the sequence of questions to be asked during the hearing would rotate between opposition, cross bench and government members, in that order, with an equal amount of time allocated to each group.

Resolved, on the motion of Mr Donnelly: That with no questions asked by government members on Monday 18 August 2014 the: Health Portfolio be examined from 9.00 am until 11.00 am. Medical Research Portfolio be examined from 11.15 am until 12.25 pm.

7.2 Public hearing: Budget Estimates 2014-2015 – Health, Medical Research Witnesses, the public and media were admitted. The chair made an opening statement regarding the broadcasting and webcasting of proceedings and other matters. The chair noted that members of Parliament swear an oath to their office, and therefore do not need to be sworn prior to giving evidence before a committee. Minister Skinner MP was admitted and examined. The following witnesses were sworn and examined: Dr Mary Foley, Secretary, NSW Health Dr Rohan Hammett, Deputy Secretary, NSW Health Dr Kerry Chant, Deputy Secretary & Chief Health Officer, NSW Health Mr Ken Whelan, Deputy Secretary, NSW Health Ms Karen Crawshaw, Deputy Secretary, NSW Health Mr John Roach, Chief Financial Officer, NSW Health. The chair declared the proposed expenditure for the portfolios of Health, Medical Research open for examination. The Minister and departmental witnesses were examined by the committee. Mr Donnelly tendered the following documents:

Letter dated 28 April 2014 from Tricia Bulic, General Manager, Manning Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, to all Maternity Staff and Visiting Medical Officers, advising directions to be taken in response to a number of issues concerning the obstetric service.



Ms Skinner tendered the following documents:

Several brochures addressing healthy lifestyle options, as listed below: NSW Aboriginal Knockout Health Challenge – Eat right – Get Active Snapshot June 2014 - Childhood Overweight and Obesity – Healthy Children Initiative Snapshot June 2014 – Adult Overweight and Obesity NSW Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service - The first five years 2009-2013

The evidence concluded and the witnesses withdrew. The public hearing concluded at 12. 23 pm. The public and media withdrew.

7.3 Tendered documents Mr Green moved: That the committee accept and keep confidential the following document tendered during the Health, Medical Research hearing held on Monday 18 August 2014, with a view to revisiting the decision at a later date:

Letter dated 28 April 2014 regarding Manning Hospital, tendered by Mr Donnelly. The committee divided. Ayes: Mr Clarke, Miss Gardiner, Mr Green, Mrs Pavey Noes: Mr Donnelly, Dr Kaye.

Question resolved in the affirmative. Resolved on the motion of Mr Green: That the committee accept and publish the following documents tendered during the Health, Medical Research hearing held on Monday 18 August 2014 :

Several brochures addressing healthy lifestyle options, as listed below: - NSW Aboriginal Knockout Health Challenge – Eat right – Get Active - Snapshot June 2014 - Childhood Overweight and Obesity – Healthy Children Initiative - Snapshot June 2014 – Adult Overweight and Obesity - NSW Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service - The first five years 2009-2013

7.4 Supplementary hearings Resolved, on the motion of Mr Green: That the committee hold a further meeting to deliberate on whether to hold supplementary hearings for the portfolios of Health, Medical Research on a date to be determined following receipt of answers to questions on notice.

8. Adjournment The committee adjourned at 12.38 pm, until 1.45 pm, Monday 18 August 2014, Macquarie Room (Citizenship and Communities, Aboriginal Affairs, Veteran Affairs).

Jenelle Moore Clerk to the Committee

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL



Minutes no. 44 Monday 18 August 2014 General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2 Macquarie Room, Parliament House, Sydney, at 1.45 pm 1. Members present

Mrs Pavey, Chair Mr Green, Deputy Chair Ms Barham Mr Clarke Mr Donnelly (substituting for Ms Westwood) Dr Faruqi (substituting for Ms Barham - Citizenship and Communities) Miss Gardiner Mr Moselmane Mr Wong (participating)

2. Apologies

Ms Westwood


3.1 Allocation of questioning Resolved, on the motion of Mr Moselmane: That with no questions asked by government members on Monday 18 August 2014 the: Citizenship and Communities portfolios be examined from 2.00 pm until 3.00 pm Veterans’ Affairs portfolio be examined from 3.00 pm until 3.20 pm. Aboriginal Affairs portfolio be examined from 3.35 pm until 4.15 pm.

3.2 Public hearing: Budget Estimates 2014-2015 – Citizenship and Communities, Aboriginal Affairs, Veterans’ Affairs

Witnesses, the public and media were admitted.

The chair made an opening statement regarding the broadcasting and webcasting of proceedings and other matters. The chair noted that members of Parliament swear an oath to their office, and therefore do not need to be sworn prior to giving evidence before a committee. Minister Dominello MP was admitted and examined. The following witnesses were sworn and examined: Mr Hakan Harman, CEO, Community Relations Commission Mr Gregor Macfie, Director, Policy, Commission for Children and Young People Ms Helen Rogers, Executive Director, Communities Policy and Programs, NSW Department of

Education and Communities Mr Phillip Peace, Chief Financial Officer, NSW Department of Education and Communities Mr Darren Mitchell, Director, Veterans’ Affairs Mr Jason Ardler, General Manager, Aboriginal Affairs. The chair declared the proposed expenditure for the portfolios of Citizenship and Communities, Aboriginal Affairs, Veterans’ Affairs open for examination. The Minister and departmental witnesses were examined by the committee. Mr Green joined the meeting.



Dr Faruqi left the meeting. Ms Barham joined the meeting. The evidence concluded and the witnesses withdrew. The public hearing concluded at 4.17 pm. The public and media withdrew. 3.3 Supplementary hearings Resolved, on the motion of Mr Green: That the committee hold a further meeting to deliberate on whether to hold supplementary hearings for the portfolios of Citizenship and Communities, Aboriginal Affairs, Veterans’ Affairs on a date to be determined following receipt of answers to questions on notice.

4. Adjournment The committee adjourned at 4.20 pm, until 8.45 am, Tuesday 19 August 2014, Room 814/815 (Ageing, Disability Services, The Illawarra, Mental Health).

Merrin Thompson Clerk to the Committee

Minutes no. 45 Tuesday 19 August 2014 General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2 Room 814/815, Parliament House, Sydney, at 8.45 am

1. Members present Mrs Pavey, Chair Mr Green, Deputy Chair (from 1.15 pm) Mr Clarke Miss Gardiner Dr Kaye (substituting for Ms Barham – Mental Health) Mr Searle (substituting for Mr Moslemane – Mental Health) Ms Voltz (substituting for Ms Westwood – Mental Health) Ms Westwood Mr Wong (substituting for Mr Moselmane – Ageing, Disability Services, The Illawarra)

2. Apologies Mr Green, Deputy Chair (until 1.15 pm)


3.1 Allocation of questioning Resolved, on the motion of Ms Westwood: That with no questions asked by government members on Tuesday 19 August 2014 the: Ageing and Disability Services portfolios be examined from 9.00 am until 10.20 am The Illawarra portfolio be examined from 10.40 am until 11.20 am Mental Health portfolio be examined from 12.15 pm until 12.55 pm.

3.2 Public hearing: Budget Estimates 2014-2015 – Ageing, Disability Services, The Illawarra

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL



Witnesses, the public and media were admitted. The chair made an opening statement regarding proceedings and other matters. The Chair noted that members of Parliament swear an oath to their office, and therefore do not need to be sworn prior to giving evidence before a committee.

Minister Ajaka MLC was admitted and examined. The following witnesses were sworn and examined: Mr Michael Coutts-Trotter, Secretary, Family and Community Services Mr Jim Longley, Chief Executive, Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Family and Community

Services Ms Samantha Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive, Ageing, Disability and Home Care (People and

Choice), Family and Community Services Mr Alastair Hunter, Deputy Chief Executive, Ageing, Disability and Home Care (Service

Delivery), Family and Community Services Mr Stephen Mudge, Chief Financial Officer, Family and Community Services Mr Philip Berry, Coordinator, NDIS Cross-Agency, Family and Community Services Mr Anthony Body, Senior Regional Coordinator Illawarra & South East.

The chair declared the proposed expenditure for the portfolios of Ageing, Disability Services, and The Illawarra open for examination. The Minister and departmental witnesses were examined by the committee. The evidence concluded and the witnesses withdrew. Ms Barham left the meeting at 10:50. Mr Shoebridge and Mr Wong left the meeting.

3.3 Public hearing: Budget Estimates 2014-2015 – Mental Health Mr Searle and Ms Voltz joined the meeting.

Witnesses, the public and media were admitted. The chair made an opening statement regarding proceedings and other matters. The Chair noted that members of Parliament swear an oath to their office, and therefore do not need to be sworn prior to giving evidence before a committee. Minister Rowell MP was admitted and examined.

The following witness was sworn and examined: Mr Peter Carter, Director, Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Office, NSW Ministry of Health The following witnesses were admitted, having been previously sworn at an earlier hearing: Mr Ken Whelan, Deputy Secretary, System Purchasing and Performance, NSW Ministry of Health Dr Kerry Chant, Chief Health Officer and Deputy Secretary, Population and Public Health, NSW

Ministry of Health.

The chair declared the proposed expenditure for the portfolio of Mental Health open for examination. The Minister and departmental witnesses were examined by the committee.



The evidence concluded and the witnesses withdrew. The public hearing concluded at 12.59 pm. The public and media withdrew.

3.4 Correspondence The committee noted the following items of correspondence: Received 18 August 2014 – email from Ms Beverly Duffy, Clerk Assistant – Upper House Committees regarding

the treatment of a confidential letter tendered at the hearing on 18 August 2014. 18 August 2014 – From Dr Mary Foley, Secretary, NSW Health to the Committee Clerk regarding a

point of clarification following her appearance before the committee on Monday 18 August 1014. Resolved, on the motion of Mr Green: That the correspondence from Dr Foley be published.

3.5 Supplementary hearings Resolved, on the motion of Mr Green: That the committee hold a further meeting to deliberate on whether to hold supplementary hearings for the portfolios of Ageing, Disability Services, The Illawarra on a date to be determined following receipt of answers to questions on notice.

4. Adjournment The committee adjourned at 1.04 pm, until 1.45 pm, Tuesday 19 August 2014, Room 814/815 (Education).

Donna Hogan Clerk to the Committee

Minutes no. 46 Tuesday 19 August 2014 General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2 Room 814/815, Parliament House, Sydney, at 1.50 pm

1. Members present Mrs Pavey, Chair Mr Clarke Mr Donnelly (substituting for Mr Moselmane) Miss Gardiner Dr Kaye (substituting for Ms Barham) Revd Nile (substituting for Mr Green) Ms Westwood


2.1 Allocation of questioning Resolved, on the motion of Mr Clarke: That with no questions asked by government members on Tuesday 19 August 2014 the Education portfolio be examined from 2.00 pm until 4.40 pm. 2.2 Public hearing: Budget Estimates 2014-2015 – Education Witnesses, the public and media were admitted.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL



Miss Gardiner and Dr Kaye joined the meeting. The chair made an opening statement regarding proceedings and other matters. The chair noted that members of Parliament swear an oath to their office, and therefore do not need to be sworn prior to giving evidence before a committee. Minister Piccoli MP was admitted and examined. The following witnesses were sworn and examined: Dr Michele Bruniges, Secretary, Department of Education and Communities Mr Peter Riordan, Deputy Secretary, Corporate Services, Department of Education and Communities Mr Phillip Peace, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Education and Communities Mr Greg Prior, Deputy Secretary Schools, Department of Education and Communities Ms Leslie Loble, Deputy Secretary Office of Education, Department of Education and Communities Mr Tom Alegounarias, President, Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW Ms Pamela Christie, Managing Director, TAFE NSW.

The chair declared the proposed expenditure for the portfolio of Education open for examination. The Minister and departmental witnesses were examined by the committee. Ms Westwood left the meeting at 4.30 pm. The evidence concluded and the witnesses withdrew. The public hearing concluded at 4.45 pm. The public and media withdrew.

2.2 Supplementary hearings Resolved, on the motion of Mr Donnelly: That the committee hold a further meeting to deliberate on whether to hold supplementary hearings for the portfolios of Education on a date to be determined following receipt of answers to questions on notice.

3. Adjournment The committee adjourned at 4.47 pm, sine die.

Shu-Fang Wei Clerk to the Committee



Minutes no. 47 Tuesday 16 September 2014 General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2 Members’ Lounge, Parliament House, Sydney, at 2.18 pm

1. Members present Mrs Pavey, Chair Mr Green, Deputy Chair Ms Barham Mr Clarke Miss Gardiner Mr Moselmane Ms Westwood

2. Previous minutes Resolved, on the motion of Mr Clarke: That draft minutes no. 43 – 46 be confirmed.

3. Correspondence The Committee noted the following items of correspondence:

Received (previously circulated) 10 September 2014 – From Minister Skinner providing answers to questions on notice and

supplementary questions for the portfolios of Health, Medical Research 11 September 2014 – From Minister Dominello providing answers to questions on notice and

supplementary questions for the portfolios of Citizenship and Communities, Aboriginal Affairs, Veterans Affairs

11 September 2014 – From Minister Ajaka providing answers to questions on notice and supplementary questions for the portfolios of Ageing, Disability Services, The Illawarra

11 September 2014 – From Minister Rowell providing answers to questions on notice and supplementary questions for the portfolio of Mental Health

11 September 2014 – From Minister Piccoli providing answers to questions on notice and supplementary questions for the portfolio of Education

12 September 2014 – From Minister Skinner providing corrections to answers to supplementary questions for the portfolios of Health, Medical Research

12 September 2014 – From Minister Dominello providing corrections to answers to supplementary questions for the portfolios of Citizenship and Communities, Aboriginal Affairs, Veterans Affairs.

Sent 21 August 2014 – From the Secretariat to Minister Skinner, Minister for Health, Medical Research,

forwarding highlighted transcript and supplementary questions 21 August 2014 – From the Secretariat to Minister Dominello, Minister for Citizenship and

Communities, Aboriginal Affairs, Veterans Affairs, forwarding highlighted transcript and supplementary questions

22 August 2014 – From the Secretariat to Minister Ajaka, Minister for Ageing, Disability Services, The Illawarra, forwarding highlighted transcript and supplementary questions

22 August 2014 – From the Secretariat to Minister Rowell, Minister for Mental Health, forwarding highlighted transcript and supplementary questions

22 August 2014 – From the Secretariat to Minister Piccoli, Minister for Education, forwarding highlighted transcript and supplementary questions.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL



4. Inquiry into Budget Estimates 2014-2015 – Supplementary hearings Mr Clarke moved: That the committee hold no further hearings to consider matters relating to the portfolios of Health, Medical Research, Citizenship and Communities, Aboriginal Affairs, Veterans Affairs, Ageing, Disability Services, The Illawarra, Mental Health, Education.

Question put.

The Committee divided.

Ayes: Mr Clarke, Miss Gardiner, Mr Green, Mrs Pavey

Noes: Ms Barham, Mr Moselmane, Ms Westwood.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

5. Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 2.24 pm, sine die.

Sarah Dunn Clerk to the Committee

Draft minutes no. 48 Wednesday 12 November 2014 General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2 Members’ Lounge, Parliament House, 1.09 pm

6. Members present Mrs Pavey, Chair Ms Barham Mr Clarke Miss Gardiner Mr Moselmane Ms Westwood

7. Apologies

8. Previous minutes Resolved, on the motion of Ms Westwood : That draft minutes no. 47 be confirmed.


9.1 Report deliberative Resolved, on the motion of Mr Clarke:

That the draft report be the report of the committee and that the committee present the report to the House;

That the transcripts of evidence, submissions, tabled documents, answers to questions on notice and supplementary questions, minutes of proceedings and correspondence relating to the inquiry be tabled in the House with the report;

That upon tabling, all transcripts of evidence, submissions, tabled documents, answers to questions on notice and supplementary questions, minutes of proceedings and correspondence relating to the inquiry not already made public, be made public by the committee, except for those documents kept confidential by resolution of the committee;

That the committee secretariat correct any typographical, grammatical and formatting errors prior to tabling;

That dissenting statements be provided to the secretariat within 24 hours of receipt of the minutes; That the report be tabled by Wednesday 19 November 2014.



10. Adjournment The committee adjourned at 1.10 pm sine die.

Stewart Smith Clerk to the Committee

Date post:	17-Aug-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	1 times
Download:	0 times

Budget Estimates 2014-2015 · Budget Estimates 2014-2015 iv Report 42 - November 2014 Terms of...

Documents